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Border Patrol Rescue Agents Headed To Help Harvey Victims

Mary Lou Lang Contributor
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U.S. Border Patrol rescue agents and marine assets are being deployed to areas affected by Hurricane Harvey to assist with rescue and relief efforts as Houston continues to see rising flood waters.

U.S. officials announced on Tuesday night that South Texas border patrol rescue teams, include those from the Special Operations Detachment, Riverine Units, and agents skilled in emergency medical response.

“The primary mission of these rescue teams is life preservation and recovery of stranded victims,” said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla, Jr. in a prepared statement.

“The rescue teams will be joining other federal, state and local agencies in a combined effort to minimize the number of casualties and fatalities inflicted by Hurricane Harvey,” said Padilla.

The SOD team includes the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Unit, known as BORSTAR, who are experienced in search and rescue operations. Those operations include swift water rescue

The Riverine Boat Patrol Units now being deployed have numerous vessels, which will aid efforts to the areas affected by the catastrophic flooding.

Customs and Border Patrol agents have been on the ground helping victims of Hurricane Harvey for several days.

Other agents have been unable to report to work because of heavy flooding, according to the agency.

“CBP personnel are working hard to help local communities in any way possible, from search and rescue operations to clearing debris,” said CBP Lead Field Coordination Judson W. Murdock II in a prepared statement.

Harvey has already shattered the U.S. rain record, according to ABC News, with 51.88 inches of rain that have fallen so far and with more expected.